POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS ROOT CANAL THERAPY
- Strenuous activity should be limited for the remainder of the day. Routine, non-strenuous activity is not harmful, unless otherwise directed. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided for 2-3 days if you had an incision and drainage procedure in conjunction with your root canal.
- It is essential that you maintain an adequate diet following treatment. The day of your treatment it is often more comfortable to eat a soft diet. The day after treatment you may return to your regular diet with proper solid foods and fluid intake. It is important that you not chew on that tooth until you see your regular dentist.
- Slight swelling and facial skin discoloration (bruising) may be experienced. This is temporary, and will resolve itself in a few days.
- Post treatment discomfort is generally minimal. It is recommended that you take (3) 200mg tablets of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every six hours for the first 3-4 days following treatment. If you are pregnant, take Tylenol in place of the Ibuprofen as recommended by your physician. If you have been given a prescription for pain medication please follow the analgesic (pain pill) regimen prescribed. While taking the prescription strength pain pill do not drive or participate in any activities, which would put you or others in harms way. If you have been prescribed metronidazole, (Flagyl) do not drink alcohol while taking the medication or you will become nauseous and vomiting will follow.
- Sometimes recall visits are necessary. These are short appointments that are very important to monitor the progress of healing.
- It is recommended by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) that following root canal treatment the tooth should be restored with a core build-up (Filling) and a full coverage crown (Cap).
- Should any complications arise, do not hesitate to call (859) 647-0006 during office hours. For weekends or evenings Dr. Walden’s Cell: (859) 445-3684. In the event that you are unable to reach Dr. Walden via phone please e-mail me as I check it several times daily. nkyendo@gmail.com
DON’T FORGET:
Be careful eating for the next 2 to 3 hours, because you are numb, and because you have a temporary filling. The temporary filling will take about 2 or 3 hours to set up.
Avoid eating anything sticky or chewy on that tooth because you could pull out temporary filling.
Avoid eating anything hard or crunchy on that tooth so you don’t crack the tooth.
Take (3) 200mg Ibuprofen every 6 hours for the next 3 to 4 days. If you are pregnant take Tylenol instead of the Ibuprofen.
Tooth could be uncomfortable for 1 week to a month, or in some cases even longer. The more you chew on tooth for the first couple of weeks the more it might hurt.
Avoid chewing on the tooth until you get your permanent restoration (Filling/Crown) from your general dentist.
If your temporary filling falls out before you get back to your dentist, call us and we will put a new temporary filling in.
Your temporary filling is only good for about a month. We recommend that you have final restoration (Filling/Crown) with your general dentist within a month.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call. (859) 647-0006 during office hours. For weekends or evenings Dr. Walden’s Cell: (859) 445-3684. In the event that you are unable to reach Dr. Walden via phone please e-mail me as I check it several times daily. nkyendo@gmail.com